Differences, Yes, But Not Much Negativity In The District 40 Race

Campaign 1996

Although the campaign season is in its final week, state House District 40 incumbent Bill Sublette, R-Orlando, is calm.

His race against Lamar Thomas, D-Orlando, has not taken the negative turn seen in his race last month against Nancy Patterson in the Republican primary.

That's not to say, though, that the candidates are in agreement on issues. Both are trying to make sure voters know the distinctions between them before heading to the polls next Tuesday.

Sublette, a 33-year-old lawyer, said he wants voters to know his record of involvement on issues such as the restoration of Lake Apopka, juvenile justice and welfare reform, and the halting of the Central Connector toll road.

Thomas, 69, owner of a land-development and traffic-engineering consulting firm, is a former Orange County commissioner and chairman. He said he was partly responsible for the adoption of the county's affirmative-action program, the creation of the county's Housing Finance Authority and the construction of the county's civic and convention center.

Thomas has been critical of Sublette's lack of involvement in the military and his campaign contributions from big business.

''There are too many lawyers in government,'' Thomas said. ''It's about time for somebody down-to-earth to get in there.''

Sublette said Thomas ''thinks campaigning on cliches and empty slogans will win an election.''

He countered Thomas' criticism by saying he grew up during a time when the draft was no longer in effect and the military was downsizing. His records show that more than 60 percent of his campaign contributions come from private individuals, he said. And he is puzzled by Thomas' claim of a conservative platform.

''He's a Democrat and running from his own party,'' Sublette said. ''My opponent obviously believes that being a Democrat is a political liability.''

Thomas said he wants to see the Reserve Officer Training Corps mandatory for high school boys as a means of discipline. He said he is a supporter of law enforcement and seniors. He also wants to fight for tort reform and easy-to-understand legislation.

''If they're going to pass a bill, they need to write it where you and I can understand it,'' Thomas said. '' Not all that gobbledygook.''

Sublette said he wants to see more alternative schools built for troubled students so teachers can have more uninterrupted instruction time. He also wants the schoolday schedule to be similar to typical workday schedules, with an 8:30 a.m. start and a 5 p.m. end.

Additionally, Sublette said he wants to work toward stronger sentencing laws to keep prisoners behind bars.

He wants to see alcohol, drug and mental-health funding distributed based on population so that Central Florida would get more money.

Thomas and Sublette both expressed concerns about transportation in Central Florida.

They agree that a light-rail system is not the answer and that more attention should be paid to roads other than Interstate 4.

Sublette defeated Patterson in the primary Sept. 3 after a campaign both said was rife with false accusations and personally damaging literature.

Next week's winner will serve a two-year term at an annual salary of $24,912. The district covers central and southwest Orange County.